Scriptural Thought

What [doth it] profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be [ye] warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what [doth it] profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works. James 2:14-17

Growth in Grace

Faith is the first round in the Christian ladder, the first step of Godward. "He that cometh to God must believe." Heb. 11:6. But an inoperative faith is useless. "Faith without works is dead." James 2: 20. To be of value, there must be coupled with faith that virtue, or courage of conviction, which impels to action. To courage there needs to be added knowledge; otherwise, like the stumbling Jews, one may have a zeal, "but not according to knowledge." Rom. 10: 2. Fanaticism is the result of such courage, or zeal. Knowledge, therefore, is an essential to healthy Christian growth. To knowledge there needs to be added temperance, or self-control — self-government. See Acts 24: 25, American Standard Version, and margin of Revised Version. To know to do good, and not do it, is as useless as is faith without works. See James 4: 17. Instead of temperance, the Twentieth Century New Testament invariably says self-control. Patience naturally follows temperance. It is well-nigh impossible for an intemperate person to be patient. Having gained control of oneself, and become patient, one is in a condition to manifest godliness, or God-likeness. Having become godly, kindness toward the brethren, or brotherly kindness, naturally follows. Charity, or love for all, even our enemies, is the crowning grace, the highest step, the eighth round, in the Christian ladder. The arrangement in this enumeration of graces is by no means accidental or haphazard, but logical and sequential, each following the other in natural, necessary order. The finger of Inspiration is seen here.

For many years Peter had been urging upon the believers the necessity of constant growth in grace and in a knowledge of the truth; and now, knowing that soon he would be called to suffer martyrdom for his faith, he once more drew attention to the precious privileges within the reach of every believer. In the full assurance of his faith the aged disciple exhorted his brethren to the steadfastness of purpose in the Christian life. "Give diligence," he pleaded, "to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." Precious assurance! Glorious is the hope before the believer as he advances by faith toward the heights of Christian perfection! {AA 533.2}

The lessons of Christ, setting forth meekness and humility and love as essential to growth in grace and a fitness for His work, were of the highest value to John. He treasured every lesson and constantly sought to bring his life into harmony with the divine pattern. John had begun to discern the glory of Christ--not the worldly pomp and power for which he had been taught to hope, but "the glory as of the Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14. {AA 544.1}

The Christian Armor

In 1 Thess. 5: 8 the helmet is called "the hope of salvation." The helmet was worn to protect the head. So the hope of salvation will preserve the courage, and thus aid in protecting the spiritual life of the Christian pilgrim when beset by the enemy of righteousness.

By this Christ defeated the enemy. See Matt. 4: 1-11; Luke 4: 1-13. But no one can use this sword who does not know it. Hence, the importance of studying and knowing the Bible.

DIANA OR CHRIST? (See page 540)

The artist has here represented a scene from the early days of the Christian faith. In the background rise the circular walls of a Roman amphitheater. To the Christian maiden is being read the Roman decree which commits her to the lions in the arena if she will not offer incense to Diana. On the altar before the image of that goddess the fire is burning; in her lover's outstretched hand is the incense which he begs her to place upon the flame in order to save her life. The Roman official, seated beside the shrine of the goddess, who is to declare her release or her death in accordance with her act; the priest of Diana and the choir of maidens, ready to join in a hymn of praise to the goddess; even the soldiers—all are absorbed in watching her face, and show on their own the impression she is making upon them. Her uplifted eyes look away toward her invisible Lord; and the expression of faith and courage upon her countenance as well as the gesture of her right hand, clearly indicate what her noble decision is to be.

The picture is an inspiring one. It succeeds in conveying the very spirit of the great apostle's immortal declaration: "I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Rom. 8:38, 39.

Walking in the Light

— It is important to settle a plain question of duty at once, and not delay obedience under the excuse of waiting for more light. To do as did Balaam — ask God again concerning that which He has plainly and expressly spoken — is dangerous. Nor should we, like the unbelieving Jews, seek a sign from heaven to convince us that we ought to obey the written Word. Has God spoken? Is it His word? Then obey does not insult Heaven with the question of whether it is right to obey. If one gets an answer to such prayers, it will more than likely be permitted to have one's own chosen way of continuing in disobedience, the end of which is death. See 1 Kings 22: 1-36; Eze. 14:1-5.

— The more earnestly one desires to know the will of God, while living up to all the light he has, the more light and truth from God will shine upon his pathway. The fact that one has the evidence of his acceptance with God, is no proof that he has all the light there is for him. If light is sown for the righteous, such are the very ones who may expect advanced light to come to them, and to see new duties presented to them from a study of the Word of God.

The reason why the Lord favored Cornelius with a visit from one of His angels, was not because Cornelius knew the way of salvation perfectly, but because the Lord saw in him a sincere desire for more light, and a willing mind to comply with every known requirement. That spirit was pleasing to God, and He, therefore, opened the way for Cornelius to learn the whole truth from Peter that he might be saved. God never changes. He does the same now with sincere, devoted persons. All may now receive advanced light, if, like Cornelius, they seek it, and are willing to walk in it when it comes to them. If it is neglected, they are guilty before God and will be left to the buffetings of the enemy.

With advanced light comes increased responsibility. Duty is always in proportion to one's light and privileges. Present truth always brings with it present duty. See reading on "Present Truth," page 131.

The opposite of light is darkness; the opposite of truth is lie. For those who reject light and truth, only darkness and error remain. God is sometimes in the Scriptures represented as sending that which he permits to come. See Ps. 81:12; 1 Kings 22:20-23; Rom. 1:21-28.

We are in the last days, in the generation that is to hear the final warning message contained in this book. See Rev. 14:6-10; 18: 1-5.

Those who accept this message are described as keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. See Rev. 12: 17; 14: 12; 22: 14. Now especially this book should be studied.

WALK in the light! so shalt thou know

That fellowship of love

His Spirit only can bestow

Who reigns in light above.

Walk in the light! and thou shalt own

Thy darkness passed away;

Because that light on thee hath shone

In which is perfect day.

Walk in the light! and e'en the tomb

No fearful shade shall wear;

Glory shall chase away its gloom,

For Christ hath conquered there.

Walk in the light! and thine shall be

A path, though thorny, bright;

For God, by grace, shall dwell in thee,

And God Himself is light.

BERNARD BARTON.

Saving Faith

A Definition of Faith.--Faith, saving faith, is to be taught. The definition of this faith in Jesus Christ may be described in few words: It is the act of the soul by which the whole man is given over to the guardianship and control of Jesus Christ. He abides in Christ and Christ abides in the soul by faith as supreme. The believer commits his soul and body to God and with assurance may say, Christ is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day. All who will do this will be saved unto life eternal. There will be an assurance that the soul is washed in the blood of Christ and clothed with His righteousness and precious in the sight of Jesus. Our thoughts and our hopes are on the second advent of our Lord. That is the day when the Judge of all the earth will reward the trust of His people.--MS 6, 1889. {2MCP 531.1}

Other Definitions.--Through faith we receive the grace of God, but faith is not our Saviour. It earns nothing. It is the hand by which we lay hold upon Christ and appropriate His merits.--DA 175 (1898). {2MCP 531.2}

Faith is trusting God--believing that He loves us and knows best what is for our good. Thus, instead of our own, it leads us to choose His way. In place of our ignorance, it accepts His wisdom; in place of our weakness, His strength; in place of our sinfulness, His righteousness. Our lives, ourselves, are already His; faith acknowledges His ownership and accepts its blessing. Truth, uprightness, purity, have been pointed out as secrets of life's success. It is faith that puts us in possession of these principles.--Ed 253 (1903). {2MCP 531.3}

Saving faith is a transaction by which those who receive Christ join themselves in covenant relation with God. Genuine faith is life. A living faith means an increase of vigor, a confiding trust, by which the soul becomes a conquering power. {DA 347.1}

The questions that most concern us are, Do I believe with saving faith on the Son of God? Is my life in harmony with the divine law? "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life." "And hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments." John 3:36; 1 John 2:3. {DA 396.3}

Through faith in Him, Christ will make all our imperfect efforts acceptable to God. The faith we are required to have is not a do-nothing faith; saving faith is that which works by love and purifies the soul. He who will lift up holy hands to God without wrath and doubting will walk intelligently in the way of God's commandments. {FW 48.3}

When you respond to the drawing of Christ, and join yourself to Him, you manifest saving faith. . . . Faith familiarizes the soul with the existence and presence of God, and, living with an eye single to the glory of God, more and more we discern the beauty of His character, the excellence of His grace. Our souls become strong in spiritual power; for we are breathing the atmosphere of heaven. . . . We are rising above the world, beholding Him who is the Chief among ten thousand, the One altogether lovely, and by beholding we are to become changed into His image. {AG 183.5}

It is not enough to believe about Christ; we must believe in Him. The only faith that will benefit us is that which embraces Him as a personal Saviour; which appropriates His merits to ourselves. Many hold faith as an opinion. But saving faith is a transaction, by which those who receive Christ join themselves in covenant relation with God. Genuine faith is life. A living faith means an increase of vigor, a confiding trust, by which the soul becomes a conquering power. {GW 261.1}

Faith, saving faith . . . is the act of the soul by which the whole man is given over to the guardianship and control of Jesus Christ. He abides in Christ and Christ abides in the soul by faith as supreme. The believer commits his soul and body to God, and with assurance may say, Christ is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day. All who will do this will be saved unto life eternal. There will be an assurance that the soul is washed in the blood of Christ and clothed with His righteousness and precious in the sight of Jesus. {HP 104.3}

Faith and works go hand in hand, they act harmoniously in the work of overcoming. Works without faith are dead, and faith without works is dead. Works will never save us; it is the merit of Christ that will avail in our behalf. Through faith in Him, Christ will make all our imperfect efforts acceptable to God. The faith we are required to have is not a do-nothing faith; saving faith is that which works by love, and purifies the soul. He who will lift up holy hands to God without wrath and doubting, will walk intelligently in the way of God's commandments. {NL 36.1}

The apostle was not here arguing for justification or salvation by faith and works, but for a living faith — a faith that works.

The gift of eternal life is promised on condition of saving faith in Christ. The drawing power of the Holy Spirit is pointed out as an agent in the work of man's salvation. The rewards of the faithful, the punishment of the guilty, are all laid out in clear lines. The Bible contains the science of salvation for all those who will hear and do the words of Christ. {CE 84.2}

"There are two errors against which the children of God — particularly those who have just come to trust in His grace — especially need to guard. The first . . . is that of looking to their own works, trusting to anything they can do, to bring themselves into harmony with God. He who is trying to become holy by his own works in keeping the law, is attempting an impossibility. All that man can do without Christ is polluted with selfishness and sin. It is the grace of Christ alone, through faith, that can make us holy. The opposite and no less dangerous error is that belief in Christ releases men from keeping the law of God; that since by faith alone we become partakers of the grace of Christ, our works have nothing to do with our redemption. . . . Obedience — the service and allegiance of love — is the true sign of discipleship. . . . Instead of releasing man from obedience, it is faith, and faith only, that makes us partakers of the grace of Christ, which enables us to render obedience. We do not earn salvation by our obedience; for salvation is the free gift of God, to be received by faith. But obedience is the fruit of faith. . . . That so-called faith in Christ which professes to re

lease men from the obligation of obedience to God, is not faith, but presumption."—"Steps to Christ," pages 64-66.

Says Luther: "If Christ alone takes away sin, we cannot do so by all our works. But good works follow redemption as surely as fruit appears upon a living tree."— D'Aubigne's "History of the Reformation," book 2, chap. 6.

Trials and Their Object

"When David was fleeing through the wilderness, pursued by his own son, he was being prepared to become the sweet singer of Israel. The pit and the dungeon were the best schools at which Joseph ever graduated. The hurricane that upset the tent and killed Job's children prepared the man of Uz to write the magnificent poem that has astonished the ages. There is no way to get the wheat out of the straw but to thresh it out. There is no way to purify the gold but to burn U."— Talmage's "One Thousand Gems," page 83.

Nothing "happens" to the Christian. Everything that enters his life is sent or permitted to come by an all-wise and all-loving Heavenly Father and is designed for the perfection of character, and the fitting up and the enlargement of capacity for service. The rocks and rough places on the mountainside are the things we climb on. Even failures, if taken rightly, may become stepping-stones to higher ground.

Says a Christian writer: "Our sorrows do not spring out of the ground. God 'cloth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men.' When He permits trials and afflictions, it is 'for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness.' If received in faith, the trial that seems so bitter and hard to bear will prove a blessing. The cruel blow that blights the joys of earth will be the means of turning our eyes to heaven. How many there are who would never have known Jesus had not sorrow led them to seek comfort in Him! The trials of life are God's workmen, to remove the impurities and roughness from our character. Their hewing, squaring and chiseling, and their burnishing and polishing, is a painful process. It is hard to be pressed down to the grinding-wheel. But the stone is brought forth prepared to fill its place in the heavenly temple."

THERE'S never a night but is followed by day,

And the darkest to dawn must give place:

There's never a sorrow that crosses our way

But is sent with a message of grace.

It comes to the peasant, it comes to the king,

It comes in our pleasures and pain;

It comes from the Father of mercies, to bring

To His fold His own stray ones again.

O soul! is thy burden too heavy to bear?

Does the load seem too weighty for one?

There's a Helper at hand all thy sorrows to share,

'Tis thy Father's own well-beloved Son.

Then cast every burden on Jesus thy Lord,

And thy troubles will quickly depart;

Make every sweet promise in His precious Word

An entrance to His loving heart.

REV. JOHN WILLIAMS:

He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes; saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm. Psalm 105:14, 15. {CC 46.1}

It is by close, testing trials that God disciplines His servants. He sees that some have powers which may be used in the advancement of His work, and He puts these persons upon trial; in His providence He brings them into positions that test their character and reveal defects and weaknesses that have been hidden from their own knowledge. He gives them opportunity to correct these defects and to fit themselves for His service. He shows them their own weakness, and teaches them to lean upon Him; for He is their only help and safeguard. Thus His object is attained. They are educated, trained, and disciplined, prepared to fulfill the grand purpose for which their powers were given them. . . . {CC 46.2}

Said the angel. "Ye have been picking at straws--dwelling upon little trials--and sinners must be lost as a consequence." God is willing to work for us in our meetings, and it is His pleasure to work. But Satan says, "I will hinder the work." His agents say, "Amen." Professed believers in the truth dwell upon their petty trials and difficulties which Satan has magnified before them. Time is wasted that can never be recalled. The enemies of the truth have seen our weakness, God has been grieved, Christ wounded. Satan's object is accomplished, his plans have succeeded, and he triumphs. {EW 121.1}

Overcoming

EXCEEDING GREAT AND PRECIOUS PROMISES

"To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God." Rev. 2: 7.

"He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death." Verse 11.

"To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna." Verse 17.

"He that overcometh, and keepeth My works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations." Verse 26.

"He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the bookof lifee, but I will confess his name before My Father, and before his angels." Rev. 3: 5. "Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of My God." Verse 12.

"To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my father in His throne." Verse 21. .

"He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be My son." Rev. 21: 7.

The part of the Christian is to persevere in overcoming every fault. Constantly he is to pray to the Saviour to heal the disorders of his sin-sick soul. He has not the wisdom or the strength to overcome; these belong to the Lord, and He bestows them on those who in humiliation and contrition seek Him for help. {AA 532.1}

One, daily dying to self and overcoming sin, was sanctified through the truth; the other, resisting the transforming power of grace and indulging selfish desires, was brought into bondage to Satan. {AA 558.1}

As a means of overcoming prejudice and gaining access to minds, medical missionary work must be done, not in one or two places only, but in many places where the truth has not yet been proclaimed. We are to work as gospel medical missionaries, to heal the sin-sick souls by giving them the message of salvation. This work will break down prejudice as nothing else can.--Testimonies, Vol. 9, p. 211. {CME 8.3}

Overcoming the Unnatural Appetite.--Persons who have accustomed themselves to a rich, highly stimulating diet have an unnatural taste, and they cannot at once relish food that is plain and simple. It will take time for the taste to become natural and for the stomach to recover from the abuse it has suffered. But those who persevere in the use of wholesome food will, after a time, find it palatable. Its delicate and delicious flavors will be appreciated, and it will be eaten with greater enjoyment than can be derived from unwholesome dainties. And the stomach, in a healthy condition, neither fevered nor overtaxed, can readily perform its task. {CG 385.2}

What we need is an experience in overcoming the enemy, and in clinging to the Mighty One. We cannot afford to lose everlasting life. {CTr 214.2}

I must tell you that heaven is to be sought for, to be prayed for, to be worked for. We cannot, with our unconverted traits of character, drift into heaven. . . . {CTr 214.3}

He grappled with temptation, overcoming in our behalf. The Son of God, pure and unsullied, bore the penalty of transgression, and received the stroke of death that brought deliverance to the race. {CEv 38.1}

They will gain efficiency and ability by mastering difficulties and overcoming obstacles. Men are wanted for responsible positions, but they must be men who have given full proof of their ministry, in willingness to wear the yoke of Christ. {CT 508.2}

The Ministry of Sorrow

— "Many of the loveliest songs of peace and trust and hope which God's children sing in this world they have been taught in the hushed and darkened chambers of sorrow. . . . Afflictions, sanctified, soften the asperities of life. They tame the wildness of nature. They temper human ambitions. They burn out the dross of selfishness and worldliness. They humble pride. They quell fierce passions. They reveal to men their own hearts, their own weakness, faults, blemishes, and perils. They teach patience and submission. They discipline unruly spirits. They deepen and enrich our experience."—" Week-Day Religion," by J. R. Miller, D. D., pages 92, 93.

"Many of the sweetest joys of Christian hearts are songs which have been learned in the bitterness of trial." " Many a cold, icy nature is made warn and tender by the grief that crushes it."—" Week Day Religion," by J. R. Miller, D. D., pages 91, 93.

1 Thess. 4: 13. - The loss of loved ones God often uses as a means of conversion, and of severing the ties which bind to earth. Persecution; sickness; the loss of sight, hearing, or limb; the loss of property; or other calamities may likewise be instrumental in drawing us nearer to God. See Ps. 119:71; Isa. 26:9.

For those who love God, those who are "the called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28), Bible biography has a yet higher lesson of the ministry of sorrow. "Ye are My witnesses, saith the Lord, that I am God" (Isaiah 43:12)--witnesses that He is good, and that goodness is supreme. "We are made a theater unto the world, both (R.V., margin) to angels, and to men." 1 Corinthians 4:9, margin. {Ed 154.2}

The work of the ministry is to retain its sacred, holy character. Disappointing results may be seen, as in Christ's day in the case of Judas. And Paul mentions some who departed from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits. Others for love of gain left the work in which the apostles took such an interest and carried forward with such rejoicing. But although errors may have to be corrected, although some of the workers cause great sorrow, yet the ministry is not to be belittled or ignored. {14MR 165.1}

Comfort. in Affliction

"Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort where with we ourselves are comforted of God." 2 Cor. 1: 4. One who has passed through trouble and affliction himself, and received comfort from God, is better able to minister comfort to others.

Not alone for Mary and her friends did Jesus weep. Looking down through the ages, He saw the tears and the heartaches that death would bring to mankind in this sin-stricken world. His heart was touched with human woe, and He wept with those that wept.

If one loves God, he may rest assured that out of every trial and affliction good will come.

"They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." Ps. 126: 5, 6.

SOMETIME when all life's lessons have been learned,

And sun and moon forevermore have set,

The things that our weak judgments here have spurned,

The things o'er which we grieved with lashes wet,

Will flash before us, out of life's dark night,

As stars shine most in deepest tints of blue,

And we shall see how all God's ways were right,

And how what seemed reproof was love most true.

MAY RILEY SMITH.

BE of good cheer! I know sometime

Life's song will run in perfect rhyme.

Somewhere, I know, all things will be

Attuned to perfect harmony.

Sometime, somewhere, each sad refrain

Shall be its own surcease of pain.

The compensation love will send

Will be in bringing friend to friend;

And all the heartaches that we bore,

In God's good time will be no more.

ROBERT LEE WALDEN.

The Spirit furnishes the strength that sustains striving, wrestling souls in every emergency, amidst the hatred of the world, and the realization of their own failures and mistakes. In sorrow and affliction, when the outlook seems dark and the future perplexing, and we feel helpless and alone,--these are the times when, in answer to the prayer of faith, the Holy Spirit brings comfort to the heart. {AA 51.1}

Trusting in Jesus

- To trust in Jesus is to believe in Him, to have abiding and unbounded confidence in Him. When such trust exists, we are sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise.

It is by being in Christ and yet led by Christ, by believing and working—trusting in Jesus, yet working upon the plan of addition, holding on to Christ and constantly mounting upward toward God. . . . {CTr 88.5}

"Go free, Ellen," said he; "return to your home trusting in Jesus, for He will not withhold His love from any true seeker." He then prayed earnestly for me, and it seemed that God would certainly regard the prayer of His saint, even if my humble petitions were unheard. My mind was much relieved, and the wretched slavery of doubt and fear departed as I listened to the wise and tender counsel of this teacher in Israel. I left his presence comforted and encouraged. {CET 29.1}

It is not safe to be occasional Christians. We must be Christlike in our actions all the time. Then, through grace, we are safe for time and for eternity. The experimental knowledge of the power of grace received in times of trial is of more value than gold or silver. It confirms the faith of the trusting, believing one. The assurance that Jesus is to him an ever-present helper gives him a boldness that enables him to take God at His word and trust Him with unwavering faith under the most trying circumstances. {CT 487.3}

The Lord is willing to do great things for us. We shall not gain the victory through numbers, but through the full surrender of the soul to Jesus. We are to go forward in his strength, trusting in the mighty God of Israel. {GW92 458.1}

You have by indulgence made your habit second nature, and it cannot be controlled unless the moral power shall be aroused, and you look unto Jesus, trusting in the grace he shall give to overcome this unnatural craving." You would say, "You have lost your self-control. Your self-indulgence is not only a moral sin, but it has become a physical disease. You are not your own; you are God's property. He has purchased you with an infinite price, and every faculty is to be employed in his service. Keep your body in a healthy condition to do his will; keep your intellect clear and active to think candidly and critically, and to control all your powers."--U. T., Oct. 12, 1896. {HL 114.5}

Patience

Patience naturally follows temperance. Hence the importance of right living,— of gaining control over the appetites and passions.

THE home where changes never come,

Nor pain nor sorrow, toil nor care;

Yes! 'tis a bright and blessed home;

Who would not fain be resting there?

Yet when bowed down beneath the load

By heaven allowed, thine earthly lot,

Thou yearn'st to reach that blest abode,

Wait, meekly wait, and murmur not.

W. H. BELLAMY.

Patience as well as courage has its victories. By meekness under trial, no less than by boldness in enterprise, souls may be won to Christ. The Christian who manifests patience and cheerfulness under bereavement and suffering, who meets even death itself with the peace and calmness of an unwavering faith, may accomplish for the gospel more than he could have effected by a long life of faithful labor. Often when the servant of God is withdrawn from active duty, the mysterious providence which our shortsighted vision would lament is designed by God to accomplish a work that otherwise would never have been done. {AA 465.1}

Have patience, fathers and mothers. Often your past neglect will make your work hard. But God will give you strength if you will trust in Him. Deal wisely and tenderly with your children. {AH 174.4}

But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:4. {CC 109.1}

Notwithstanding the fact that Moses was the meekest man that lived upon the earth, on one occasion he drew the displeasure of God upon himself. . . . The undeserved reproaches of the people which fell upon him led him for a moment to forget that their murmuring was not against him, but against God; and instead of being grieved because the Spirit of God was insulted, he became irritated, offended, and in a self-willed, impatient manner struck the rock twice saying: "Hear now, ye rebels, must we fetch you water out of this rock?" . . . {CC 109.2}

Sanctification is a progressive work. The successive steps are set before us in the words of Peter: "Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" 2 Peter 1:5-8. "Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" verses 10, 11. {CCh 50.4}

Contentment

"Live not in careful suspense." Luke 12:29, margin.

1 Peter 5: 7 - "Contentment produces, in some measure, all those effects which the alchemist usually ascribes to what he calls the philosophers stone. If it does not bring riches, it does the same thing by banishing the desire for them. If it cannot remove the disquietudes arising from a man's mind, body, or fortune, it makes him easy under them."— Addison.

A contented mind sees something good in everything,— fair weather in every wind, blessings in every storm.

"If we cannot get what we like, we should try to like what we get."

" There is no malady more severe than habitual discontent."—Fleming.

"If you cannot frame your circumstances in accordance with your wishes, frame your will in harmony with your circumstances."— Epictetus.

"A contented mind is a continual feast."

GOD holds the future in His hand,

0 heart of mine, be still!

His love will plan the best for thee,

The best, or light or dark it be:

Then rest ye in His will.

God holds the future in His hand,

Why should I shrink or fear?

Through every dark and cloudy day —

Yea, all along my pilgrim way —

His love will bless and cheer.

God holds the future in His hand,

And I can trust His love.

The past declares His faithfulness;

His eye will guide, His heart will bless,

Till I am safe above.

Thankful hearts and kind looks are more valuable than wealth and luxury, and contentment with simple things will make home happy if love be there. {AH 108.1}

Christ's contentment in any position provoked His brethren. They could not explain the reason of His peace and serenity; and no persuasion of theirs could lead Him to enter into any plans or arrangements which bore the impression of commonness or of guilt. On every occasion He would turn from them, plainly stating that they would mislead others, and were unworthy of the sons of Abraham. He must set such an example that little children, the younger members of the Lord's family, would see nothing in His life or character to justify any evil deed. You are altogether too particular and peculiar, said the members of his own family. Why not be as other children? But this could not be; for Christ was to be a sign and a wonder from His youth, as far as strict obedience and integrity were concerned. {FE 401.2}

Resting in the love of Christ, trusting the Redeemer and Life-giver to work out for you the salvation of your soul, you will know, as you draw nearer and still nearer to Him, what it means to endure the seeing of Him who is invisible. God desires us to rest content in His love. The contentment that Christ bestows is a gift worth infinitely more than gold and silver and precious stones. . . . {HP 186.3}

Godliness with contentment is a great gain. 1 Timothy 6:6 {ML 169.1}

Too many cares and burdens are brought into our families, and too little of natural simplicity and peace and happiness is cherished. There should be less care for what the outside world will say and more thoughtful attention to the members of the family circle. There should be less display and affectation of worldly politeness, and much more tenderness and love, cheerfulness and Christian courtesy, among the members of the household. Many need to learn how to make home attractive, a place of enjoyment. Thankful hearts and kind looks are more valuable than wealth and luxury, and contentment with simple things will make home happy if love be there. {ML 169.2}

Jesus, our Redeemer, walked the earth with the dignity of a king; yet He was meek and lowly of heart. He was a light and blessing in every home because He carried cheerfulness, hope, and courage with Him. Oh, that we could be satisfied with less heart longings, less striving for things difficult to obtain wherewith to beautify our homes, while that which God values above jewels, the meek and quiet spirit, is not cherished. The grace of simplicity, meekness, and true affection would make a paradise of the humblest home. It is better to endure cheerfully every inconvenience than to part with peace and contentment. {ML 169.3}

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Christian Growth and Experience Part 1

1. Looking forward to the conflicts through which His followers must pass, what cheering message did Christ send them through the revelator? Rev. 2: 10, 11.

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2. How did Christ overcome when tempted? See Matt. 4: 1-11. How do the Scriptures say the saints overcame the enemy? Rev. 12: 11.

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3. WHY is it better to go to the house of mourning than to the house of feasting? Eccl. 7: 2. What did David ask God to teach him? Ps. 39: 4. See also Ps. 90: 12. Why is sorrow better than laughter? Eccl. 7: 3.

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4. Does death bring to Christians unassuaged sorrow? 1 Thess. 4: 13. See Ps. 119:71; Isa. 26:9. What do our transient afflictions do for us? 2 Cor. 4: 17. See Rom. 8: 28.

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5. ARE God's people free from affliction? Ps. 34: 19. How does God regard the afflicted? Job 34: 28.

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6. Before he was afflicted, what did he do? Ps. 119: 67. What did Christ learn through suffering? Heb. 5: 8.

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7. What promise is made to those that mourn? Matt. 5: 4. Why does God comfort us in tribulation? 2 Cor. 1: 4.

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8. Whatever may come, what blessed assurance has everyone who loves God? Rom. 8: 28.

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9. In what respect is the reaping of God's people to differ from their sowing? Ps. 126: 5, 6.

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10. WHAT did the prophet Isaiah predict of Christ? Isa. 11: 10. Rom. 15 : 12. Why does God wish us to trust in Jesus? Eph. 1: 12.

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11. What did the Ephesians do upon hearing the gospel? Verse 13, first part. What experience followed this trust in Jesus? Verse 13, last part.

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12. What is the gospel to everyone that believes? Rom. 1: 16. How does God regard one who abandons his faith'? Heb. 10: 38.

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13. By what does one gain the victory over the world? 1 John 5: 4. What encouragement does Jesus give us to meet cheerfully the troubles and trials of life? John 16: 33.

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14. What has this firm trust in Jesus led many to do? Rev. 12: 11. Heb. 11: 36-38. What did it lead Moses to do? Verses 24-26.

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15. What is promised those who trust in Jesus? Mark 29, 30. What is Jesus able to do? Jude 24.

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16. WHAT has the Bible to say concerning patience? Eccl. 7: 8. 1 Thess. 5: 14. Luke 21: 19.

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17. What contrast is drawn between the patient and the hasty in spirit? Prov. 14: 29. Who are cited as examples of patience James 5: 10, 11.

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18. What is said of those who endure? Verse 11. James 1: 12. Matt. 10: 22. What does the trying of faith work? James 1: 3. Rom. 5: 3.

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19. Why are we exhorted to patience? James 1: 4.

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20. What important test of perfection of character is given? James 3: 2. How are we exhorted to run the Christian race? Heb. 12: 1, 2.

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21. For what glorious event are we bidden patiently to wait? 2 Thess. 3 : 5. James 5: 7, 8. What will be one characteristic of the remnant church? Rev. 14: 12.

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22. What should be the language of every heart? Ps. 130: 5. When Christ comes, what will His people say? Isa. 25:9.

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23. With what are we exhorted to be content? Heb. 13: 5. 1 Tim. 6: 8. Concerning what does Christ tell us not to be anxious? Matt.. 5:31, 32

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24. What lesson in contentment did Paul say he had learned? Phil. 4: 11.

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25. What ancient promise should lead to contentment? Gen. 8: 22. Upon whom should we cast all our care? 1 Peter 5: 7.

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Prepared by:

Education Department

GADSDA, Visayan Division, Philippines

Zone 6, Sitio Lonoy, Kananga, Leyte